Animal bed assembly

ABSTRACT

An animal bed for supporting an animal includes a body having a bottom member and a bolster forming an outer wall of the body. The outer wall is positioned about a perimeter of the bottom member and extends outwardly therefrom to define a recessed area for accommodating the animal. A plurality of straps is coupled to and extending at least partially across the bottom member opposite the recessed area. Each of the plurality of straps includes a degree of elasticity configured to hold a rigid member in contact with the bottom member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation application claiming priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/623,974, filed Feb. 17, 2015, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/943,629, filed Feb. 24, 2014, each of which are incorporated herebyby reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an animal bed, and in particular to ananimal bed with an integrated coupler for coupling a rigid member to theanimal bed.

BACKGROUND

It is common practice for pet owners and animal lovers to provide acushioned or textured surface for their pets to sleep or relax on topof. The cushioned or textured surface is often made of a soft materialthat can create a welcoming and familiar environment for the pet. Thecushioned or textured surface often has a cushioned wall surrounding thebottom textured surface. Ideally, the animal bed is primarily composedof soft materials. The walls of the animal bed may have a soft exteriorand be internally filled with a stuffing that can both insulate theanimal and provide a cushion for additional comfort to the animal.

A soft and comforting environment for the animal often results in ananimal bed that is pliable. Further, because the animal is intended toinhabit the bedded area, the animal bed may need to be cleanedfrequently. Animal beds that are pliable are ideal for both animalcomfort and ease of cleaning. One of the disadvantages of a pliableanimal bed is the inability of the animal bed to substantially maintainthe correct form when the animal attempts to nest or moves about withinthe bed. Current animal beds can become disfigured and ineffectivebecause they do not have adequate rigidity to maintain the proper formwhen experiencing common animal movements.

A need currently exists in the market for an animal bed that willmaintain the proper structure and form while still creating acomfortable environment for the animal that can easily be cleaned.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of this disclosure, an animal bed for supporting ananimal includes a body including a bottom member; a bolster forming anouter wall of the body, the outer wall positioned about a perimeter ofthe bottom member and extending outwardly therefrom to define a recessedarea for accommodating the animal; and a plurality of straps coupled toand extending at least partially across the bottom member opposite therecessed area; wherein, each of the plurality of straps includes adegree of elasticity configured to hold a rigid member in contact withthe bottom member.

In one example of this embodiment, the bottom member includes aplurality of sides; and each of the plurality of straps includes a firstend and a second end, the first end being coupled to one of theplurality of sides and the second end being coupled to another of theplurality of sides. In a second example, at least two of the pluralityof sides are coupled to one another to form a corner; and at least oneof the plurality of straps is coupled to each of the two sides forholding the rigid member at the corner of the bottom member. In a thirdexample, the plurality of straps extend laterally or longitudinallyacross the bottom member.

In a fourth example, the plurality of straps form pockets coupled to thebottom member. In a fifth example, the bolster comprises at least afirst bolster and a second bolster. In a sixth example, the firstbolster and second bolster are disposable in a plurality of positionsrelative to the bottom member, the plurality of positions including atleast an upright position and a substantially planar position. In aseventh example, the plurality of straps are removably coupled to thebottom member.

In another embodiment, a multi-bolster animal bed assembly includes abottom member having a defined surface area; an outer wall coupled tothe bottom member and positioned about the defined surface area; a firstbolster and a second bolster forming at least part of the outer wall,where the first bolster is coupled to the bottom member; aninterconnecting member coupling the first bolster and second bolster toone another; and a plurality of straps coupled to the bottom member;wherein, the second bolster is movable about the first bolster between afirst position and a second position; further wherein, the secondbolster is disposed at least partially above the first bolster in thefirst position, and the second bolster is disposed substantially planarwith the first bolster and the bottom member in the second position.

In one example of this embodiment, a rigid member is coupled between theplurality of straps and the bottom member. In a second example, thesecond bolster is pivotally coupled to the first bolster. In a thirdexample, a third bolster is coupled to the second bolster. In a fourthexample, in the first position, the first bolster, second bolster andbottom member define a cavity on a side of the bottom member oppositethe plurality of straps. In a fifth example, a portion of at least thesecond bolster is removed to form an entry to the bed. In a sixthexample, the plurality of straps extend laterally or longitudinallyacross the bottom member. In a seventh example, the plurality of strapsform pockets coupled to the bottom member. In an eighth example, theplurality of straps are removably coupled to the bottom member.

In a further embodiment, an animal crate assembly includes a crateincluding a top wall, a bottom wall, at least one side wall, and a doorfor providing access to an interior of the crate, the bottom wall havinga defined length and width; an animal bed including a bottom memberhaving a defined length and width that form a perimeter thereof; anouter wall coupled to the bottom member and positioned about the definedperimeter; a first bolster portion forming a first part of the outerwall, the first bolster portion being coupled to the bottom member; asecond bolster portion forming a second part of the outer wall, thesecond bolster portion being coupled to the first bolster portion; and aplurality of straps coupled to the bottom member; wherein, the secondbolster portion is movable about the first bolster portion between afirst position and a second position; further wherein, the secondbolster portion is disposed at least partially above the first bolsterportion in the first position, and the second bolster portion isdisposed substantially planar with the first bolster portion and thebottom member in the second position.

In one example of this embodiment, an interconnecting member couples thefirst bolster and second bolster to one another. In another example, arigid member is coupled between the plurality of straps and the bottommember.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner ofobtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself willbe better understood by reference to the following description of theembodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top-side view of the first embodiment of ananimal bed;

FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom-side view of the animal bed of FIG. 1coupled to a rigid member;

FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom-side view of a second embodiment of ananimal bed without a coupled rigid member;

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom-side view of a third embodiment of ananimal bed without a coupled rigid member;

FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom-side view of a fourth embodiment of ananimal bed without a coupled rigid member;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-bolster animalbed;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the animal bed of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8A is a first cross-sectional view of the animal bed of FIG. 7taken along lines 700-700;

FIG. 8B is a second cross-sectional view of the animal bed of FIG. 7taken along lines 700-700;

FIG. 8C is a third cross-sectional view of the animal bed of FIG. 7taken along lines 700-700; and

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a multi-bolster animal bed.

Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the preciseforms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, theembodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the artmay appreciate and understand the principles and practices of thepresent disclosure.

In FIG. 1 , a top-side of an animal bed 100 is shown. The animal bed 100can include a bottom member 102 that is at least partially surrounded byan outer wall 104. The bottom member 102 can consist of a cavity thatmay be stuffed with an insulating and cushioning material such ascotton, down, foam, or the like. A plurality of materials may also beused for the bottom member 102 to provide a soft exterior surface thatis desirable to an animal when resting. While this disclosure is notlimited to any one material, such materials as fleece, silk, cotton,suede, polyester and the like may be used for the exterior of the bottommember 102.

Similar to the bottom member 102, the outer wall 104 may have anexternal surface made from fleece, silk, cotton, suede, polyester andthe like. Alternatively, a vinyl layer may be disposed on a portion ofthe bottom and sides of the outer wall 104. Buttons 106 or otheraesthetic-pleasing features may be incorporated into the bed asornamental features or for coupling different structure or materials ofthe animal bed 100. The outer wall 104 may also substantially encompassan outer cavity that may be filled with a stuffing material such ascotton, down, foam or the like. Further, the outer wall 104 can befilled with stuffing material to extend substantially away from theplane defined by the bottom member 102. The outer wall 104 may becoupled to the outer edges of the bottom member 102. When the outer wall104 is substantially filled with stuffing material, the outer wall 104and the bottom surface 102 may create a bowl-like structure. The outerwall 104 may have a cylindrical cross-section (not shown).

Although not shown, there may be a portion of the outer wall that has areduced height or gap defined in the outer wall for providing an entryonto and exit from the animal bed 100. This may be particularly true foran animal bed 100 that has outer walls with an increased height to forma more enclosed or bowl-like structure.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a bottom side 200 of the bottom member 102 of FIG.1 is shown. The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2 represents one of manypossible embodiments of the animal bed 100. As previously described, itcan be desirable to position or align a pan or other rigid member to thebottom side 200 of the animal bed 100, particularly when the bed isdisposed in a cage, crate, or other enclosure. In FIG. 2 , the bottomside 200 of the animal bed 100 may at least partially encompass a rigidmember 202. The rigid member 202 can correspond with the planardimensions of the bottom member 102 to occupy substantially the samefootprint or surface area as the bottom member 102. The rigid member 202may be formed of a plurality of different types of materials that cansubstantially retain its shape such as plastic, metal, or wood. Further,in one embodiment, the bottom member 102 and the rigid member 202 may besized to fit within a cage structure to allow the animal bed 100 to belocated within a cage.

Although not shown, an animal cage or crate may include at least a topwall, a bottom wall, one or more side walls, and a door for providingegress and ingress to an interior of the cate or crate. The bottom wallof the cage or crate may have a defined length and width, which may besized similar to that of the top wall. Each wall and door of the cage orcrate may be formed of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires.Alternatively, each wall may be formed of a plastic. There may bewindows or other openings formed in the walls of the cage or crate. Inthis disclosure, any size of cage or crate is contemplated. The size ofthe bottom member 102 of the animal bed 100 may correspond with thelength and width of the bottom wall of the cage or crate.

The rigid member 202 may be removably coupled to the pet bed 100 by oneor more straps 204. There may be as many straps 204 as there are cornersformed by the rigid member 202. The straps 204 may be formed of anelastic material that allows the straps 204 to be stretched to allow therigid member 202 to be removably coupled to the animal bed 100. When therigid member 202 is removably coupled to the animal bed 100, the straps204 can be located across an exterior surface 206 of the rigid member202 while the interior surface (not shown) of the rigid member 202 ispositioned against the bottom member 102. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , when the rigid member 202 is removably coupled to the animalbed 100, the bottom member 102 is substantially aligned with the rigidmember 202.

In FIG. 3 , another embodiment of the bed 300 is shown without a rigidmember coupled thereto. This embodiment utilizes one or more straps 302to removably couple the bed 300 to a rigid member (not shown). There maybe any number of straps 302 that may be parallel to and spaced from oneanother. The straps 302 may be coupled to the bottom member 102 at afirst edge 304 and a second edge 306. The first edge 304 may include oneouter edge of the bottom member 102 and the second edge 306 may includea second edge of the bottom member 102 that is parallel to the firstedge 304. The straps 302 may allow a rigid member (not shown) to beremovably coupled to the animal bed 300 when the rigid member isdisposed between the straps 302 and the bottom member 102. When a rigidmember is removably coupled to the animal bed 300, the straps 302 maysubstantially restrict the rigid member from becoming misaligned withthe footprint of the bottom member 102. As shown, the straps in FIG. 3extend approximately the width of the bottom 102 of the bed 300.

In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , straps 402 may be utilizedto removably couple an animal bed 400 to a rigid member (not shown). Thestraps 402 can be substantially parallel to one another and there can beany number of straps 402. Further, the straps 402 can be spaced apartfrom one another in a plurality of configurations. Each strap 402 can becoupled to the bottom member 102 at both a first edge 404 and a secondedge 406, and extend approximately the length of the bottom member 102.The first edge 404 may include of one outer edge of the bottom member102 and the second edge 406 may include of a different outer edge of thebottom member 102. The rigid member may be disposed between the straps402 and the bottom member 102 for coupling the rigid member to theanimal bed 400, and also to substantially align the rigid member withthe bottom member 102. When a rigid member is removably coupled to theanimal bed 400, the straps 402 may substantially restrict the rigidmember 202 from becoming misaligned with the bottom member 102.

While various embodiments of straps have been described, the presentdisclosure is not limited to any of the aforementioned configurations.For example, other types of straps including diagonally-oriented straps,a combination of widthwise and lengthwise straps, offset straps, or apocket may be used to removably couple a rigid member to an animal bed.Further, while the illustrated embodiments provide substantiallyrectangular animal bed configurations, this disclosure is applicable toanimal beds having cross-sections shaped circular, triangular, oval, andany other shaped configuration.

Moreover, the particular material of the straps described in thisdisclosure can be formed of a plurality of fabrics and materials toachieve the result of removably coupling a rigid member. Such fabricsand materials as elastic bands, canvas, rubber, cotton, fleece, nylon,and the like may be used for the straps.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 . Here, an animal bed 500 mayinclude one or more pockets or sleeves 502 to removably couple a rigidmember (not shown) to the animal bed 500. The bed 500 can include anynumber of pockets 502. The one or more pockets 502 may be located at anycorner, side, or edge of the bottom member 102. The pockets 502 canallow for sufficient deformation so that the rigid member may beremovably coupled to the pockets 502. In one embodiment, a rigid memberthat has four corners can be coupled to the animal bed 500 via fourpockets 502 located at each of the four corners of the bed 500. Thepockets 502 can be sufficiently sized to allow for the pockets 502 tosubstantially encompass and retain a corner or edge of the rigid memberwhen the rigid member is removably coupled to the animal bed 500.Further, when the animal bed 500 is removably coupled to the rigidmember, the rigid member may be substantially retained in alignment withthe footprint or surface area of the bottom member 102. Other variationsof the embodiment of FIG. 5 may include a sleeve that is formed alongthe length or width of the bottom member 102 such that the rigid membercan be disposed in the sleeve and retained or coupled to the animal bed500. In other embodiments, there may be a plurality of sleeves forretaining the rigid member to the bed.

As noted above, the rigid member can include a pet pan, a substantiallyflat piece of material that adds rigidity to the bed, or other structurethat is substantially flat and includes a size and shape similar to thatof the animal bed.

A different embodiment of an animal bed is shown in FIGS. 6-8 . In FIG.6 , a multi-bolster animal bed assembly 600 is provided for an animal.The multi-bolster bed assembly 600 of FIG. 6 can include an animal bed604 removably coupled to a rigid member 602 such as a mat, plate, tray,pan, etc. For instance, the rigid member 602 can be made of plastic,metal, vinyl, or other material. The bed 604 can include a bottomsurface that can be coupled to the rigid member 602. In FIG. 6 , aplurality of straps are shown for coupling the bed 604 to the rigidmember 602. For instance, the bed 604 is shown as including fourcorners, i.e, a first corner 606, a second corner 610, a third corner614, and a fourth corner 618. In this manner, the bed 604 can have asquare or rectangular shape. This is not required, however, and the bed604 can be substantially round, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal,octagonal, or any number of sides. In at least one example, the size andshape of the animal bed 604 can correspond with the size and shape ofthe rigid member 602. For instance, the perimeter or circumference ofthe rigid member can be substantially the same as the perimeter orcircumference of the animal bed 604. This, however, is not required inall embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 , the first corner 606 of theanimal bed 604 can include a retaining strap 608. The strap 608, forexample, can be made of a cloth-like material that includes a degree ofelasticity. The elasticity of the strap may vary depending on the sizeof rigid member being retained and the size of the animal bed. The strap608 can further include a first end and a second end, where the firstend is coupled to one side of the animal bed 604 and the second end iscoupled to another side thereof. The strap ends can be sewn to the sidesof the animal bed 604, or the strap ends may be removably coupled to thesides (e.g., via a Velcro or snap-like connection). The strap 608 can bepulled such that a corner or edge of the rigid member 602 can bedisposed between the bottom surface of the animal bed and the strap 608.In this arrangement, the strap 608 can couple the rigid member 602 tothe animal bed 604.

Similarly, the second corner 610 of the animal bed 604 can include asecond strap 612, the third corner 614 can include a third strap 616,and the fourth corner 618 can include a fourth strap 620. Thecombination of each of the four straps, when coupling the rigid member602 to the animal bed 604, provide a coupling mechanism forsubstantially maintaining the rigid member 602 to the bottom surface ofthe animal bed 604.

The multi-bolster animal bed assembly 600 can also provide a safe andsecure bed for an animal to rest. As shown in FIG. 9 , the animal bed604 can include a bottom inner surface 912, a top surface 914, a firstinner wall 904 and a second inner wall 906. The first inner wall 904 andsecond inner wall 906 may form an inner perimeter or circumference thatdefines an inner region of the bed 604. The inner region may be furtherdefined by a recessed area 908 in which an animal may rest. The firstinner wall 904 and second inner wall 906 may be joined to one another ata seam 910.

The outer walls may be formed by a first bolster portion 900 and asecond bolster portion 902. The first bolster portion 900 may bedisposed towards the bottom of the bed and the second portion 902 may bedisposed towards the top of the bed. In one aspect, the first bolsterportion 900 may be coupled to the bottom member 102 of the bed. Inanother aspect, the first bolster portion 900 may be spaced from thebottom member 102. In this embodiment, the first bolster portion 900 andfirst inner wall 904 may form substantially the same portion of a sidewall of the bed, and likewise the second bolster portion 902 and secondinner wall 906 may form substantially the same portion of the side wall.

The multi-bolster animal bed 604 of FIG. 6 is configurable between anupright position and a substantially flat position, and any positiontherebetween. This is best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . Referring to FIG.8A, for example, the animal bed 604 can be formed to include an upperportion 800 and a lower portion 802. In one example, the upper portion800 and lower portion 802 can be substantially the same shape and size.In another example, the lower portion 802 can be larger than the upperportion 800. In FIG. 8A, for example, the upper portion 800 is in itsraised or upright position such that the animal bed 604 has a smallercross-sectional area and can be positioned within an animal crate (notshown). The upper portion 800 can be positioned along the inner sidewalls of the crate to provide greater comfort to the animal. The lowerportion 802 can include the plurality of straps for coupling the animalbed 604 to the rigid member 602.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the upper portion 800 and lower portion 802 caninclude an outer bolster that fits about the perimeter thereof. Forexample, the upper portion 800 can include an upper bolster that isshown having a first end 804 and a second end 806. Likewise, the lowerportion 802 can include a lower bolster having a first end 808 and asecond end 810. Although each of the upper and lower bolsters are shownhaving a first end and a second end, the bolsters can be a continuousbody that encircles (e.g., a circular shaped bed) or surrounds theoutside of the animal bed 604. The bolsters can form the outer wall ofthe animal bed 604. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , a similar bolster canbe used for forming the animal bed but only a single bolster is shown.

Although not shown in great detail, each bolster can be formed by anouter layer of material that surrounds a cushion-like material. Forexample, foam, cotton, or other cushion-like material can be positionedwithin the outer material. The bolster can form a circular cross-sectionas best shown in FIG. 8A. In other embodiments, each bolster of thedouble bolster assembly 600 can form a different shaped cross-section(e.g., square, rectangular, oval, triangular, etc.). In any event, theouter layer of each bolster can define an inner region that is filledwith cushion-like material such that the bolster provides a sturdy outerwall of the animal bed 604.

The upper portion 800 and lower portion 802 can be movably coupled toone another via an interconnecting member 812. The interconnectingmember 812 can be formed as a seam in the animal bed 604, or a snap,Velcro®, or other connecting mechanism can be used. The interconnectingmember 812 may enable the upper portion 802 to pivot or slide withrespect to the lower portion 802. Alternatively, an interconnectingmember 812 may not be used in other embodiments where the upper portion800 is coupled directly to the lower portion 802. In this alternativeembodiment, the upper portion 800 may pivot about the lower portion 802to achieve positions similar to those shown in FIGS. 8A-C and describedbelow.

Referring to FIGS. 8B and 8C, the upper portion 800 of the animal bed604 can be moved from the upright position (FIG. 8A) to a substantiallyflat or planar position (FIG. 8C). The term “substantially” refers to anembodiment where the bolsters have a thickness greater than thethickness of the bottom member. As such, the bolsters may be aligned inthis position with the bottom member in a way that the bottom member maybe disposed in the same plane as each bolster. This is different fromFIG. 8B, where the upper bolster is disposed at least partially abovethe lower bolster, and thus out of the plane defined by the bottommember. In any event, the animal bed 604 can be configured in thesubstantially flat or planar position or a position therebetween, and assuch the animal bed 604 can be configured to fit within an animal crateof different sizes. For a smaller crate, the animal bed 604 can bedisposed in the upright position of FIG. 8A. For a larger crate, theanimal bed 604 can be disposed in the substantially flat position ofFIG. 8C. For crates of sizes in between, the upper portion 800 of theanimal bed 604 can be moved to a position similar to that of FIG. 8B.

To reconfigure the animal bed 604, the upper portion 800 can roll orslide along the lower portion 802 between the upright and substantiallyflat positions.

In FIG. 6 , the multi-bolster animal bed assembly 600 is illustrated asa double bolster bed (i.e., includes two bolsters). This disclosure,however, contemplates a multi-bolster animal bed assembly having two ormore bolsters. For example, in an animal bed with at least threebolsters, an intermediate or middle portion can be disposed between theupper portion and lower portion. Additional bolsters may allow sidewallsof the animal bed to be disposed in upright positions within a crate toprovide protection and comfort to a crated animal.

While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the presentdisclosure have been disclosed hereinabove, the present disclosure isnot limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application isintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosureusing its general principles. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains andwhich fall within the limits of the appended claim.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An animal bed for supporting an animal,comprising: a body including a bottom member having outer edges, thebottom member defining a surface upon which the animal rests; a rigidmember including a substantially flat piece of rigid material, whereinthe rigid member is positioned in contact with the bottom member,wherein the rigid member includes one of a mat, a plate, a tray, or apan, and wherein the rigid member is configured to provide rigidity tothe animal bed; a first bolster that at least partially forms an outerwall of the body that is positioned about a perimeter of the bottommember and extends outwardly from the surface upon which the animalrests to at least partially define a recessed area for accommodating theanimal, wherein the outer wall is coupled to the outer edges of thebottom member; and a second bolster that is configured to be at leastpartially positioned above the first bolster relative to the surface andto cooperate with the first bolster to form the outer wall of the body;and wherein the second bolster is movable relative to the first bolsterbetween an upright position, in which the second bolster is positionedat least partially above the first bolster relative to the surface, anda substantially flat position, in which the second bolster is positionedsubstantially beside the first bolster.
 2. The animal bed of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of straps extending at least partiallyacross the bottom member opposite the recessed area.
 3. The animal bedof claim 2, wherein each strap of the plurality of straps has a degreeof elasticity configured to hold the rigid member in contact with thebottom member such that the rigid member is removably coupled to thebody.
 4. The animal bed of claim 1, wherein the first bolster ispositioned about the entire perimeter of the bottom member.
 5. Theanimal bed of claim 1, wherein: the bottom member includes a pluralityof sides; and each of the plurality of straps includes a first end and asecond end, the first end being coupled to one of the plurality of sidesand the second end being coupled to another of the plurality of sides.6. The animal bed of claim 1, wherein: at least two of the plurality ofsides are coupled to one another to form a corner of the bottom member;and at least one of the plurality of straps is coupled to each of the atleast two sides for coupling the rigid member to the bottom member atthe corner of the bottom member.
 7. The animal bed of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of straps form pockets coupled to the bottom member. 8.The animal bed of claim 1, wherein at least one strap of the pluralityof straps is removably coupled to the rigid member.
 9. The animal bed ofclaim 1, wherein: the first bolster surrounds the perimeter of thebottom member; when the second bolster is in the substantially flatposition relative to the first bolster, the second bolster surrounds thefirst bolster; and movement of the second bolster relative to the firstbolster between the upright position and the substantially flat positionadjusts a perimeter of the animal bed.
 10. The animal bed of claim 1,wherein the first bolster includes a cushion-like material and an outerlayer of material that surrounds the cushion-like material.
 11. Theanimal bed of claim 1, wherein the bottom member includes a cavitydefined therein.
 12. The animal bed of claim 11, further comprising acushioning material, wherein the cavity of the bottom member is filledwith the cushioning material such that the cushioning material isdisposed between the surface and the rigid member to provide comfort tothe animal.
 13. The animal bed of claim 1, wherein the first bolster andthe second bolster each have a thickness greater than a thickness of thebottom member.
 14. The animal bed of claim 1, further comprising: atleast one additional bolster configured to cooperate with the firstbolster and the second bolster to form the outer wall of the body. 15.The animal bed of claim 1, wherein when the second bolster is in theupright position, the second bolster is positioned fully above the firstbolster relative to the surface.
 16. The animal bed of claim 1, whereinthe first bolster and the second bolter are joined together at a seam.17. The animal bed of claim 1, further comprising an interconnectingmember coupled to each of the first bolster and the second bolster tofacilitate movement of the second bolster relative to the first bolster.